Washington Redskins: Good, Bad, WTF against the Minnesota Vikings

The Washington Redskins played their heart in week 9. In week 10, there was a different story on the field. The game on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings was one of the worst, if not the worst performance of the season. Thus, the Redskins will need to win out to make the playoffs. The schedule is in their favor. So what happened on Sunday? The Good, the Bad, and the WTF will tell you.

The Good

Maurice Harris

The question remains, why was he on the practice squad for so long? Especially, with the problems that the Washington Redskins have had at the position. Harris made a spectacular, Odell Beckham Jr type catch on the opening drive. His one-handed 36-yard TD grab gave the Redskins a 7-0 lead early in the first. Just imagine what the big play potential could have been all year-long. Do the ‘Skins finally have their deep threat? Given these points, after one game it looks like they just may.

Kirk Cousins

Cousins was never the reason for the Redskins losing this game. Yes, he threw a bad interception within the last two minutes of the half. However, it did not kill the team. In fact, Cousins finished the day 24-45, 327 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. He also had 2 rushing TDs. In all honesty, if not for a play calling blunder Cousins would have led another game tying/winning drive in the fourth quarter.

DJ Swearinger

Swearinger, on two plays, put the Washington Redskins right back in a game that was getting out of hand. His back-to-back interceptions changed the momentum for the good. His play, all season long has been incredible. Furthermore, his leadership has been a welcome sight to an area that was garbage in 2016.

The Bad

Defense

Last week the defense was the biggest reason the Redskins were able to hang with the Seattle Seahawks. This week, the defense of the Washington Redskins made a journeyman look like a freaking Pro-Bowler. I have seen better coverage from a blanket full of holes.

In addition to the bad coverage, the Viking O-line pushed the front of the Redskins defense around like a Wal-Mart shopping cart. If I were Defensive Coordinator, Greg Manusky, I would be working these boys overtime this week. They will need to have a better look against the New Orleans Saints or else that game could get ugly early. Just ask the Buffalo Bills.

Josh Norman

From the second play of the game, you could tell it was not going to be a good game for Norman. Stephon Diggs beat him like a rented mule. Norman never recovered. The Washington Redskins need Norman at the top of his game every week. They are not good enough back there to have less.

The WTF

Jay Gruden

I hope Jay Gruden had nightmares of two particular plays that cost his team momentum and the game. With 5:22 left in the game and the Redskins at the Minnesota, 33-yard line Gruden calls a RUNNING PLAY UP THE MIDDLE!! Cousins hands ball to Chris Thompson. Why are you running the ball up the middle, with a speed back, against the number three defense in the league? The result was no gain.

On the very next play, 4th and 1 from the Minnesota 33 with the Redskins down 11 Gruden elects to go for it. The logical choice is to kick the field goal and make them go the distance. Gruden calls another running play. This time he sends Chris Thompson on a run outside. AGAIN, YOU HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL THERE ALL DAY!! Spread them out and throw the quick game. You have one of the most accurate passers in the game. He is your best player on offense. Put the ball in his hands.

The Fans

I do not care who you are. If you call yourself a fan of a football team you need to be there for that team. More times than not, FedEx Field has been more friendly to the opposition. During the game on Sunday, the SKOL chant was heard more than Redskins fans cheering on their defense. I can remember when it was one of the loudest stadiums in the league.

Another issue with the fans is lack of unity. In short, The Washington Redskins used to have one of the most loyal fan bases in the league. Nonetheless, the fans are now saying they are going to leave if this or that does not happen. I know that losing sucks. However, you stick by your team through wins, losses, and all adversity. That is what makes you a fan. Today’s fan is so fickle.

The Washington Redskins sit 12th in the NFC. Their schedule eases out after next week. Moreover, they will need solid all-around performances to get to the postseason. Can they right the ship? Stay tuned.

Follow Sean for all your Washington Redskins and NFL news all year-long on Twitter and Instagram @NFLWBLZ.

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I have been writing about the NFL since 2012. I love writing and sharing my opinion about the greatest sport today. My work has been featured on sites like Bleacher Report and Yard Barker. In addition to my articles, you can also catch me on The Rat Pack Sports Show Wednesday and Sunday Nights. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @NFLWBLZ.

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